Ex-Spartans RB London transferring to Tennessee

KNOXVILLE — Running back Madre London tweeted Sunday that he’s transferring from Michigan State to Tennessee.

London said via Twitter that “with much consideration, I have officially committed to the University of Tennessee. #GoVols #RockyTop.”

London had tweeted last month that he plans to graduate from Michigan State in May and use his final season of eligibility elsewhere.

London ran for 304 yards on 83 carries last season. His most productive season came as a redshirt freshman in 2015, when he rushed for 500 yards on 119 attempts.

Tennessee lost its leading rusher from last season when John Kelly decided to bypass his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Tennessee returns Ty Chandler, who ran for 305 yards on 71 carries last season.

The Vols also bring back Carmin Fils-aime, who ran for 215 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt said last week that Fils-aime would be working out at cornerback rather than running back for the first part of spring practice.

London would be the second graduate transfer to join Tennessee’s offensive backfield this year. Tennessee recently announced the addition of former Stanford quarterback Keller Chryst, who started seven games for the Cardinal last season before getting replaced by K.J. Costello.

Chryst will join a quarterback competition that also includes Jarrett Guarantano, Will McBride and incoming freshman JT Shrout. This past season, Guarantano started six games as a redshirt freshman and McBride made one start as a true freshman.

Tennessee is trying to bounce back from a 4-8 season in which it set a school record for losses and failed to win a single Southeastern Conference game.